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Wisconsin extends signup time for hemp growers

Anyone interested in entering Wisconsin's hemp industry has a few extra months to sign up. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has extended the deadline to apply for industrial hemp grower and processor licenses and registrations through March 1, 2019. The original deadline was Dec. 31.

"We were hearing from growers that they needed more time to find land and seed sources, and that processors and growers needed time to make arrangements — for growers to find a market for their crop, and processors to have growers to supply them," said Brian Kuhn, director of the Bureau of Plant Industry, which houses the industrial hemp research pilot program in the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. "We still urge applicants to get their completed paperwork in early to avoid a crunch at the end that will slow down the process."

The deadline is for both new applicants and those renewing their registrations for the 2019 growing season. A Dec. 15 deadline remains for 2018 growers and processors to file their final reports.

The department will not renew registrations until 2018 final reports are filed and all 2018 sampling fees are paid.

Applications and other information about the industrial hemp program are available at datcp.wi.gov. Search for "industrial hemp" or use the link on the homepage.